The Manipur government on Tuesday announced temporarily suspending internet and mobile data services for five days in view of the ongoing situation in the state.
The order said that the internet and mobile data services including Lease Lines, VSATs, Broadbands and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of Manipur will be temporarily suspended from 3 pm on Tuesday to 3 pm on September 15.
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"In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law-and-order situation in the State of Manipur," the government order, issued by the Secretariat of the Home Department, said.
"It has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platform such as Whats App, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc... which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging in arson/vandalism and other types of violent activities," the order said.
"In exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, do hereby order temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services," it added.
This is issued ex-parte in public interest with approval of Competent Authority, the order further said.
Earlier today, the Manipur government issued prohibitory orders in three districts after student protested demanding the restoration of peace in the strife-torn state rocked Imphal Valley.
The government imposed an indefinite curfew, preventing people from coming outside their houses, in Imphal East and West districts, while prohibitory orders under Section 163 (2) of BNSS were imposed in Thoubal.
On Monday, thousands of students protested in front of the Manipur Secretariat and Raj Bhavan demanding action against those behind the recent drone and missile attacks, and calling for the protection of the state's territorial and administrative integrity.
At least eight persons have died and over 12 injured in a fresh wave of violence, which included drone and missile attacks.